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IndieGameStand Thread - A new indie game every 4 days, Steam/GOG/Desura, PWYW

P

PaulLFC

Member


Since we have threads for Steam, GOG, GMG etc, I think these guys deserve a thread of their own. There's some discussion in the Indie Bundle thread, but unless you buy the $10 bundle of 3 games each time the deal changes (which wouldn't really make sense after a couple of days), it's not really a bundle.

The idea: A new, DRM indie game every 4 days, for the price of pay what you want. A portion of each sale goes to charity, and the charity is chosen by the developer of the featured game. There will be other offers depending on how much you pay, as follows:

$1+: Steam and/or GOG and/or Desura redeemable keys for the game, depending on which site(s) the game's available.

Beat the average: The game, keys and a selection of bonus content (varies with each game).

$10+: A 3-game bundle containing
-The previous featured game, which is the only way to get it on sale if you missed it
- The current featured game
- The next featured game - you don't get to see what this is until it's revealed, so it's a gamble.

Link

---
Current game: Deadly 30 (PC/Mac/Linux, Desura)
Featured Charity: Child's Play

gc_1346055487_407.png


Survive 30 nights of horror and zombie menace in Deadly 30! Rescue and recruit companions, upgrade your weaponry and fortify your position during safe daylight. At night defend you bunker and fight off waves of attacking zombies. 12 guns, 11 types of zombies, 25 achievements and thousands of ways to die!

Elements of tower defense including setting up the defense of your base and upgrading your weaponry meet the action-packed run and gun genre of the golden days of gaming. Featuring a strong exploration element, you are required to leave the safety of your base, to forage for materials to make it through the night.
Click to expand...

Game keys ($1+): Desura
Bonus content (Beat the average - currently $1.55): An assortment of Gaming Parody Videos from GonzoSSM
Three-game Bundle ($10+): Deadly 30 (Desura), Megabyte Punch (Desura), Mystery unannounced game

Past games (chronological order)
Chester
Escape Goat
SpaceChem
Gnomoria
The Geneforge Saga
Really Big Sky
Brainpipe: A Plunge to Unhumanity
Cardinal Quest
Megabyte Punch

FAQ
I missed the last game! Can I still buy it?
Yes, although not at the pay what you want price. If you pay $10, you'll get that game, the current game and the next, unannounced game.

Can I gift games?
Yes, there's a gift button on the website which will allow you to gift purchases to others.

Where can I find my past purchases?
Once you register on the site, you'll be able to access the Game Wallet page, which holds all of your purchases, along with download links, bonus content and keys for Steam, GOG etc. These can be downloaded at any time, as many times as you want.
 
B

brightroar

Member
Definitely interested in the site, but haven't come across anything I want to buy just yet, will keep an eye on it though.

Edit: Actually, I think I might buy Really Big Sky!
 
P

PaulLFC

Member
Today's new game is Brainpipe: A Plunge to Unhumanity (PC/Mac). Steam key for $1+, bonus content for $1.31+ currently.
 
J

JaseC

gave away the keys to the kingdom.
Anybody else not receiving e-mails from IGS? I bought the game some hours ago but have yet to receive a confirmation e-mail, and I'm also waiting on a password reset e-mail.
 
P

PaulLFC

Member
JaseC said:
Anybody else not receiving e-mails from IGS? I bought the game some hours ago but have yet to receive a confirmation e-mail, and I'm also waiting on a password reset e-mail.
Click to expand...
The last one I bought (Geneforge) I got the email pretty much instantly, but that was a couple of days ago. Maybe try asking them about it on Twitter?
 
J

JaseC

gave away the keys to the kingdom.
PaulLFC said:
The last one I bought (Geneforge) I got the email pretty much instantly, but that was a couple of days ago. Maybe try asking them about it on Twitter?
Click to expand...

It appears my ISP is having issues with some senders being rejected. I'll wait for that to be fixed before contacting IGS directly.

Edit: I bought the game again (it's only a buck), using a Gmail address this time, and received the confirmation e-mail instantly. Definitely an issue at my ISP's end, then.
 
K

kurtrussell

Banned
Just when you thought indie games couldn't be devalued any further......

Seriously, indie devs need to stop this race to the bottom. As soon as $2 becomes established as the new $19.99, they'll sell the same amount of games as they used to, but for about 10% of the revenue.

They are only making money at the moment through these insane discounts due to the sheer volume of purchases. As the cheap indie game market gets more and more over-saturated, the novelty will wear off entirely, and the devs are stuck in a market where they can't ever hope to sell anything for more than a few dollars.
 
M

mclem

Member
kurtrussell said:
Seriously, indie devs need to stop this race to the bottom. As soon as $2 becomes established as the new $19.99, they'll sell the same amount of games as they used to, but for about 10% of the revenue.
Click to expand...

I do worry about the devaluing of games, but I don't think you're arguing from the right standpoint here; many of these games are on the old side and so this is more like an occasional sale rather than a launch game being sold at a pittance.

I do take issue with the worst instance of this, though, when Botanica was released in a pay-what-you-want form after having already taken preorders at a set price. That, I feel, was a huge error of judgement.
 
K

kurtrussell

Banned
I suppose what I'm getting at is the fact that these days, I will make a concious decision to hold off purchasing an indie title under the assumption that it will be available in a bundle at a markedly reduced price sooner or later.

That's not lack of support to the industry - that's just plain common sense. If the game is going to be a lot cheaper in a relatively short time span, it just doesn't make sense to jump all over it at full price on day one. I got burned pre-ordering Hacker Evolution on Steam for nearly the price of a full title, only to see it show up in a bundle at a 90% discount 45 days later.

The only indie titles I've paid full price for this year were retro city rampage and the prison architect alpha, and for both of those, I thought long and hard before committing to purchase.
 
F

Feep

Banned
kurtrussell said:
I suppose what I'm getting at is the fact that these days, I will make a concious decision to hold off purchasing an indie title under the assumption that it will be available in a bundle at a markedly reduced price sooner or later.

That's not lack of support to the industry - that's just plain common sense. If the game is going to be a lot cheaper in a relatively short time span, it just doesn't make sense to jump all over it at full price on day one. I got burned pre-ordering Hacker Evolution on Steam for nearly the price of a full title, only to see it show up in a bundle at a 90% discount 45 days later.

The only indie titles I've paid full price for this year were retro city rampage and the prison architect alpha, and for both of those, I thought long and hard before committing to purchase.
Click to expand...
No one should really care. Indie devs (myself included) earn like a jillion dollars on sale days, and the number of truly savvy + very patient consumers who would have bought the game anyway, but for this knowledge, is probably below 5%. It isn't a big deal.
 
K

kurtrussell

Banned
Feep said:
No one should really care. Indie devs (myself included) earn like a jillion dollars on sale days,
Click to expand...

But the point I'm making is - what happens when the number of sale days either reaches saturation point, or loses it's novelty value? Surely then, you're back to the same level of sales you achieved before the whole deep discounting phenomenon started, except you're selling for a couple of bucks rather than closer to 20?

On a personal level, I want to pay people to create the kind of games that are unique enough to really spark my interest. I know that these won't come from mainstream devs, and I'm willing to pay a premium to support an industry that can deliver these titles to me. However, it's getting VERY hard to justify this when every game is sold so cheaply so soon after release these days.
 
M

mclem

Member
Feep said:
No one should really care. Indie devs (myself included) earn like a jillion dollars on sale days, and the number of truly savvy + very patient consumers who would have bought the game anyway, but for this knowledge, is probably below 5%. It isn't a big deal.
Click to expand...

I think the risk - highlighted to an extreme by the Botanicula example - is when the early adopters feel short-changed as a result. To be fair, there's an inevitability to this - prices will drop, early adopters will have paid more when everything shakes out. As long as people purchase at what *they* regard as a 'fair' price - which is how you should approach purchases with items that deprecate in value as rapidly as games do - it's not a problem, but many instead think competitively and almost resent other people getting stuff cheaper.

It does strike me as a tricky balancing act, not least because there's an unknown factor in it of customer satisfaction - and how that will affect their future purchases. The danger comes from making money off early adopters *now*, but then poisoning the well for them making future purchases.
 
P

PaulLFC

Member
kurtrussell said:
But the point I'm making is - what happens when the number of sale days either reaches saturation point, or loses it's novelty value? Surely then, you're back to the same level of sales you achieved before the whole deep discounting phenomenon started, except you're selling for a couple of bucks rather than closer to 20?

On a personal level, I want to pay people to create the kind of games that are unique enough to really spark my interest. I know that these won't come from mainstream devs, and I'm willing to pay a premium to support an industry that can deliver these titles to me. However, it's getting VERY hard to justify this when every game is sold so cheaply so soon after release these days.
Click to expand...
The games don't sell for $1 forever though, just for a few days, or a week, or a couple of weeks at most usually. After that time the game is back up to normal price. If we get to a point where the bundles aren't helping the devs, they'd just not agree to put their games in bundles, surely?
 
F

Feep

Banned
kurtrussell said:
But the point I'm making is - what happens when the number of sale days either reaches saturation point, or loses it's novelty value? Surely then, you're back to the same level of sales you achieved before the whole deep discounting phenomenon started, except you're selling for a couple of bucks rather than closer to 20?

On a personal level, I want to pay people to create the kind of games that are unique enough to really spark my interest. I know that these won't come from mainstream devs, and I'm willing to pay a premium to support an industry that can deliver these titles to me. However, it's getting VERY hard to justify this when every game is sold so cheaply so soon after release these days.
Click to expand...
(shrug) I just don't think it's as significant a problem as you're making it out to be. Base prices for indie games haven't dipped, I think, they're still up there at $5-$15. If the sales stop being super ultra profitable, they'll just...stop doing them.
 
M

mclem

Member
PaulLFC said:
The games don't sell for $1 forever though, just for a few days, or a week, or a couple of weeks at most usually. After that time the game is back up to normal price. If we get to a point where the bundles aren't helping the devs, they'd just not agree to put their games in bundles, surely?
Click to expand...

If there *is* a problem - and I'm arguing both sides of this because I'm not convinced it's all that widespread, but I could envisage it becoming so - then it's not an issue that would be reflected in a single game's sales; instead it'd be a subtle gradual change in the intent of the buying public, and it'd have repercussions further down the line.
 
T

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Kifimbo said:
How is Really Big Sky ? Great, good, bad, ugly ? Why ?
Click to expand...

Just to be on topic, since its still relevant for the 10$ deal:


Really Big Sky:
Its not really a "bad" game, but not a good one either. Its basically a very simplified Shmup with no weapons to choose from ingame and not other items that would allow some strategic play either. It reminds me a lot of these flash "Upgrade games" that are very popular on Kongregate. Play one round, get cash, upgrade your ship, play further next time. On top of that it has almost invisible barriers that can kill you even if you are pretty good at this game because they are hidden in fog, which feels super cheap. Admittedly, the game has quite a few unlockable modes, but unless anyone tells me they change up the formula significantly, I wouldnt say that this game is all that recommendable. Its really unfortunate, because they had some interesting bosses and visual ideas for the levels here, its just not really fun.

I am not actually against this structure in general, but it feels a bit too lazy if that is the only means of progression. Also, the game is horribly optimized. It wont properly run on many notebooks despite being "only" a 2D shooter. Almost every game is worth $!, and this is no exception to that rule either. If you get it to run properly it looks nice and it has unlockable modes. If you look for something easily accessible to kill a few minutes and you like the aforementioned "Upgrade games", you'll like this one as well.
 
D

DeuceGamer

Member
Feep said:
(shrug) I just don't think it's as significant a problem as you're making it out to be. Base prices for indie games haven't dipped, I think, they're still up there at $5-$15. If the sales stop being super ultra profitable, they'll just...stop doing them.
Click to expand...

It's actually good to hear the thoughts of an Indie developer, such as yourself. I was curious how Indie Dev felt about this. After picking up a couple of great titles for so little, I almost felt guilty after playing the games and realizing how good they were. While I did beat the avg at IndieGameStand, it's still so cheap that it got me thinking how I could do my part to help the Dev next time.

I think I came up with an idea. I will gift an extra copy, or multiple copies, in the "free to a good home Gaf" thread to some gaffers who have never played the game and possibly never played a game from that specific dev. My thoughts were that this may help the Dev reach a wider audience with their future releases.
 
F

Feep

Banned
DeuceGamer said:
It's actually good to hear the thoughts of an Indie developer, such as yourself. I was curious how Indie Dev felt about this. After picking up a couple of great titles for so little, I almost felt guilty after playing the games and realizing how good they were. While I did beat the avg at IndieGameStand, it's still so cheap that it got me thinking how I could do my part to help the Dev next time.

I think I came up with an idea. I will gift an extra copy, or multiple copies, in the "free to a good home Gaf" thread to some gaffers who have never played the game and possibly never played a game from that specific dev. My thoughts were that this may help the Dev reach a wider audience with their future releases.
Click to expand...
Gifting the game is the best way to show support, and the one of the best ways for word of mouth to spread about a lesser-known game. I had lots of GAFfers do me the honor after I gifted Sequence to everyone. ^^
 
T

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Just for the record, current deal: Cardinal Quest
https://indiegamestand.com/

Its a roguelike, if anyone is interested I'd check it out for some feedback. Havent played it yet.
 
P

PaulLFC

Member
Zero-Crescent said:
The latest deal is Megabyte Punch (PC/Mac, Desura, Greenlight), a side-scrolling beat-em-up that, as pointed out in the other thread, seems like a combination of Custom Robo and Smash Bros.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAjGUQxTEeQ


Quick note: as of this writing, the Desura keys for this game are having some trouble activating. IGS is aware of this issue and is working on a solution.
Click to expand...
Thanks ZC, will update the OP now.

--

Regarding the OP, as you probably guessed by now, it will be updated a few hours after the new deal actually goes live - it changes around 4 or 5am here (currently 9am at the moment) - I should have thought about that probably
3AQmK.gif
 
Z

Zero-Crescent

Member
~9 hours left for Megabyte Punch. They've started to tweet hints for the next game:
Hint for next game: Just in Time for Halloween
Hint 2: Pc, Mac, Linux game - never been in a bundle before
Hint 3: This game is NOT an Alpha or Beta
Hint 4: It's an action survival game - with a touch of tower-defense
Final Hint: This game has Zombies IN1T and is DEADLY
Click to expand...
 
Z

Zero-Crescent

Member
Next game is up, Deadly 30 (PC/Mac/Linux; Desura), a 2D side-view action game with tower defense elements and zombies:
http://blog.indiegamestand.com/post/34464113265/halloween-deal-deadly-30-for-pc-mac-linux-and-desura

Trailer

Beware of Ghouls, Goblins and ZOMBIES! in Today’s Halloween themed game: Deadly 30. This game combines elements of tower-defense mix with run-n-gun action in this game for PC, Mac and Linux.



Survive 30 nights of horror and zombie menace in Deadly 30! Rescue and recruit companions, upgrade your weaponry and fortify your position during safe daylight. At night defend you bunker and fight off waves of attacking zombies. 12 guns, 11 types of zombies, 25 achievements and thousands of ways to die!

Elements of tower defense including setting up the defense of your base and upgrading your weaponry meet the action-packed run and gun genre of the golden days of gaming. Featuring a strong exploration element, you are required to leave the safety of your base, to forage for materials to make it through the night.

Grab this game for whatever price you want now!

Game Keys and Bonus Content

Paying more than $1 will unlock this game on Desura and beating the average will get you an assortment of GonzoSSM’s animated video game parodies (MP4 format).

Featured Charity: Child’s Play

Developer Headup Games has selected Penny Arcade’s Child’s Play charity to receive 10% of the proceeds from this 96-hour sale.

What are you waiting for, grab Deadly 30 and blow some Zombie heads off!
Click to expand...
 
L

LuffyZoro

Member
I guess no one cares about it that much, the the next game was put up a day or two ago with 36 hours left.

Today’s Deal at IndieGameStand: Zombies

You thought Halloween was over... You thought your bosses hadn't turned into flesh-eating zombies... You were WRONG! Introducing Zombies, an action-shooter game for Windows PC and available on Desura.

tumblr_mcq3ihslb61qfesre.jpg


Zombies is a bloody isometric rampage through the depths of bureaucracy. Defend yourself from buzzword-spewing Zombie Project Managers and wreck the office with chainsaws, bats, swords, guns, and Molotov Cocktails. Fight through office buildings, parking garages, and rooftops against the brain-dead corporate culture that would enslave you. Free the redhaired girl. Fullfill your bloodlust for glory. And rock out to some fantastic chip/house music while you spray the walls with the blood and entrails of your corporate enemies.

Fuck paperwork. Blow some shit up.
Click to expand...
 
T

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Moobabe said:
It looks pretty nice - and GAF impressions?
Click to expand...

Sorry, no time to check it. Bought the current game Gimbal though and will give some impressions.

Edit: ...or not. Stupid term paper kept me busy. Sorry guys.
 
N

nextgeneration

Member
mr_toa said:
Syder arcade looks nice - anyone tried it already with the wired x360 controller?
Click to expand...

Yeah, works fine with 360 controller. You do have to configure it at the start, but no big deal. You're only able to map the face buttons, though. From what I can tell, the shoulder buttons can't be used in the game.
 
C

Croc

Banned
I picked it up yesterday. I thought it was really fun and it didn't feel like it was trying to be anything more than what it was (press to jump). I guess I mostly bought it on there in hopes of retroactively getting a steam key in the future since I don't tend to keep individual stuff on my computer. I voted for it on Greenlight and hopefully it'll see a release sometime since it definitely deserves it. It's totally worth it IMO; gameplay is simple fun and the music is great as well.

On that note though I tried all of the different difficulty settings but didn't notice any differences between them.
 
S

Station42

Member
Thank you so much for upvoting and buying Fotonica! ^__^ The difficulty settings affect the speed of the runner, Furioso is about 3x faster than Adagio.
 
L

LuffyZoro

Member
The latest game looks pretty interesting. It's called Reprisal, and it's a god game in the vein of Populous.

gc_1352634164_407.png


In other news, it's kind of sad how quickly interest has faded from this site. Not only here on GAF, but the average sale price for this game is only $1.68.
 
cicero

cicero

Member
LuffyZoro said:
The latest game looks pretty interesting. It's called Reprisal, and it's a god game in the vein of Populous.

gc_1352634164_407.png


In other news, it's kind of sad how quickly interest has faded from this site. Not only here on GAF, but the average sale price for this game is only $1.68.
Click to expand...

I am still interested and I check the main page periodically alongside my other indie/sales related sites. It does take an updated and interesting OP to keep interest going though. The one here hasn't been updated since the end of October, which is definitely going to slow a thread down.

The Populous clone Reprisal looks great, I plan on getting a copy or two before the sale ends. Hopefully they keep putting up good games, specifically those that are better than Blueberry Garden. I do wish they would feature more promotions that feature GOG codes, because I didn't know about the site I missed out on the great IndieGameStand sales for SpaceChem and The Geneforge Saga earlier this year. If I were them I would have tried to do some kind of end of the year Build Your Own Bundle promotion for the holidays out of games that had previously been in sales!@#
 
A

atomic moth

Member
Wok said:
Steam keys will soon be available to people who purchased the game.
Click to expand...

Are you saying Steam keys will be available for people that purchased The Journey Down through indiegamestand or only for those who recently purchased it through Steam?
 
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